Medical cannabis and cannabinoids in raw or dried flowers, oils, capsules, powders, edibles, and topicals may reduce pain, and some evidence shows benefit with nausea, vomiting, and sleep, but little evidence of improving treatment outcomes.
How can cannabis and cannabinoids help you? What the research says
Learn more about how we research and rate therapies and practices in How We Rate Therapies ›
A brief summary of preclinical evidence is in Are you a health professional? ›
Improving treatment outcomes
Is cannabis or cannabinoids linked to improved survival? Is it linked to less cancer growth or metastasis? Does it enhance the anticancer action of other treatments or therapies? We present the evidence.
Optimizing your body terrain
Does cannabis or cannabinoids promote an environment within your body that is less supportive of cancer development, growth, or spread? We present the evidence.
Research has only begun studying the connections between body terrain factors and cancer outcomes, and the oncology community is not yet sure how to interpret all the findings. If any of these terrain factors could be an issue for you, we recommend that you ask your doctor if you need any diagnostic tests to detect terrain imbalances or any adjustments to your lifestyle or medications.
We also recommend that you share with your doctor the information here about how cannabis or cannabinoids might affect these terrain factors if you have any imbalances.
Managing side effects and promoting wellness
Is cannabis or cannabinoids linked to fewer or less severe side effects or symptoms? Is it linked to less toxicity from cancer treatment? Does it support your quality of life or promote general well-being? We present the evidence.
Reducing cancer risk
Is cannabis or cannabinoids linked to lower risks of developing cancer or of recurrence? We present the evidence.
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